We're Making Cottage Cheese Cool Again (2024)

We like cottage cheese. Hell, some of us even love it. That chewy, curd-y texture, the saltiness and the fatty mouthfeel... and it's even higher in protein than Greek yogurt. We get it, though—it's got a reputation, and it's not a good one. Here's how to eat cottage cheese without feeling like an 80's yo-yo dieter, including some ingenious ideas that Epi readers shared when my colleague Anya posted shared her cottage-cheese confessional.

1. Make it sweet

This might be the most common—albeit a little bit retro—way to eat cottage cheese, but it's got that salty-sweet thing going on that we really can't be mad at. Here are some sweet toppings to brighten up a creamy bowl of cottage cheese—feel free to mix and match. And remember, you can always go really old school and fill a halved peach or melon with cottage cheese for the ultimate "dieter's delight." Hey, it's a classic for a reason.

  • Chopped pineapple, peaches, plums—heck, pretty much any ripe, soft fruit
  • Fresh berries
  • Honey/maple syrup
  • Jam and toasted nuts
  • Chopped apple and a dash of cinnamon

2. Take it the savory route

It is cheese, after all. The cheese's texture lends itself well to simple toppings, like a drizzle of olive oil, but textural pops like crunchy chips and juicy tomatoes work well as a fun change if you feel like you're stuck in a CC rut.

  • Chopped roasted peppers, S&P, plus a drizzle of olive oil
  • A sprinkle of za'atar and plenty of grated cucumber
  • Chopped scallions, S&P, and a dash of hot sauce
  • Chopped tomatoes and cucumber, S&P, and, yep, a drizzle of olive oil
  • Crushed potato chips or tortilla chips
We're Making Cottage Cheese Cool Again (2024)

FAQs

Why is cottage cheese making a comeback? ›

For a younger generation of increasingly plant-based eaters who no longer consider drinking cow's milk “cool,” the revival of the dairy-based cottage cheese by Gen Z has many confused. One of the biggest reasons cottage cheese seems to be making a comeback is due to its highly nutritious profile.

What is the cottage cheese trend? ›

TikTok influencers performed a kind of alchemy in recent weeks when they created ice creams, dips, cookie doughs and other craveable snacks from the distinctly non-craveable 1950s diet food your grandma used to eat: cottage cheese.

Why are so many people eating cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese is high in protein and is an excellent source of calcium. Choosing a low-fat cottage cheese can reduce saturated fat intake when substituting it for other higher fat foods, such as cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise or ricotta cheese. It's also full of vitamins and minerals that support a healthy diet.

What does it mean when someone says cottage cheese? ›

: a bland soft white cheese made from the curds of skim milk. called also Dutch cheese, pot cheese, smearcase.

How do you use cottage in a sentence? ›

We decided to walk to the cottage, as there was a river nearby. She lived in a tiny cottage amid clusters of trees. He's spending his dotage in a riverside cottage. We met the people who live in the cottage.

Why eat cottage cheese at night? ›

Here's where metabolic magic happens: The amount of muscle our body has is one of the primary drivers in determining how many calories we burn each day. "Other research supports that cottage cheese before bed actually does increase metabolism the next morning," Reaver says.

Why is cottage cheese so addictive? ›

The protein found in milk — human or animal — is called casein, and when it breaks down in your body, it produces molecules called casomorphins. These strings of amino acids have the same effect in your brain as opiates do.

Why is cottage cheese so nice? ›

Rich, full of texture, and packed with protein, cottage cheese makes for a wonderful snack. Sometimes referred to as curds and whey, this dairy product differs from cheese in that it's not aged, but rather, sold and served fresh. It's also low in calories when compared with other cheeses.

Are there any negatives to cottage cheese? ›

He said that while most cheese, including cottage cheese, contains nutrients such as vitamins and calcium, it can also have high levels of sodium and fat, so he recommends eating it in moderation.

What cottage cheese is healthiest? ›

Fat-free, 1% and 2% fat cottage cheese have less saturated fat and fewer calories than the 4% fat variety, which includes cream. Lower fat varieties also generally have slightly more protein.

Is cottage cheese healthier than yogurt? ›

Is cottage cheese or yogurt better for you? Both cottage cheese and yogurt are excellent options for a healthy snack. Snodgrass finds it hard to choose, but she thinks there may be a slight winner. “Cottage cheese does however have a modest advantage in terms of a little less sugar than yogurt.

Can you eat cottage cheese directly? ›

If you like the flavor, you can (and many people do!) eat cottage cheese on its own, whether with other foods or as a simple snack. Topped with fruit. One of the most common ways to eat cottage cheese is by topping it with fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi.

Is cottage cheese meant to be eaten by itself? ›

After a couple pulses, cottage cheese becomes seriously thick and creamy, making it perfect for eating on its own or stirring into dips and soups. It is weirdly good when added to pancake batter, too — the milky, slightly tangy flavor makes it a solid substitute for buttermilk.

What does cottage cheese do to you? ›

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral that plays a major role in tooth and bone health, and in the prevention of osteoporosis. It also helps you to regulate your blood pressure and might even play a role in preventing certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.

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